On International Penile Cancer Awareness Day, we are proud to launch “Ignore It”, a quirky, unconventional video to raise awareness of penile cancer, produced by ERN eUROGEN in partnership with Orchid and the European Association of Urology (EAU) and funded by the European Union:
In 2018, Richard Stamp was diagnosed with penile cancer. He had not been aware of its existence, and the symptoms he had been experiencing were not identified as being cancerous. Following his diagnosis and treatment, he has spoken openly about both the physical and psychological effects he has suffered. Working with a group of performers and producers, he helped produce this video. It may be unconventional, but to increase awareness of penile cancer, we need to take a different approach.
Penile cancer is rare, but approximately 36,000 men will be diagnosed globally each year. Many people will be unaware that it exists, and this lack of awareness, combined with the embarrassment of symptoms, can delay men seeking medical advice. Some research has suggested that this delay may be as long as 12 months. The longer the delay in diagnosis, the more extensive and life-changing treatment can be.
Raising awareness of penile cancer is difficult; it is not a subject that is discussed openly. ERN eUROGEN, the EAU, and Orchid strongly support patient advocacy and individual initiatives which may raise the profile of penile cancer.
This new video complements and builds on the previous patient experience animation (available in English and Spanish) funded by ERN eUROGEN in partnership with Orchid and EAU Patient Information, which emphasises the importance of early detection of penile cancer for preservation of life:
